It’s all gone pants.

So today I needed to hit the 15+ mileage.  Now, granted, I spent a bit of time sick a week ago and went out not expecting much.  Unfortunately, it seems I have developed what I will kindly refer to as “knee lock.”

I’ve experienced knee lock before.  The first time was during the Sony Run to the Beat half marathon last year.  The second time was two weeks ago.  The third, and most irritating of all, was today.  Approximately mile 10, right before James Street around the Cowley/Iffley area.

I stopped.  I stretched.  I marched around like a solider and put Valentine’s couples into a puzzled trance as they walked past me.  I confused shoppers on the street as the girl who, though bedazzled in running kit, limped and acted like a zombie/ape hybrid.  I became determined to finish my mileage.

It all looked on target until I hit the Cyclopath when, out of nowhere, I started to shake uncontrollably.  England is well-known for manic-depressive weather and it had threatened a bit of sun, though suddenly, it got cold.  Real cold.  It was then that I knew:  I’d cooled down too much from deciding to limp to the finish.  I could either put in my last mile and risk something serious, or go home.

I went home.

Slowly, gingerly, I made it upstairs and ran a bath.  As I sloth walked around I noticed, at least mentally, I didn’t feel horrible inside.  So there was a plus.  As I eased into the bath I felt my knee go *pop* *pop*… but unlike the pain I expected it stopped hurting.  This, of course, has thrilled me greatly… however… I don’t know how to replicate this in a standing position during a race.

Now, I’m stuck.  I obviously have something here that is not good.  I don’t want it to get worse.  I accidentally found a way to correct it, but, I don’t know how to replicate it.  On top of this, I’ve got a shaking problem, most likely due to the fact that I have only ever fueled up for 13.1 miles.

What I suppose I need is a good think and a bit of rest.  I know this is the hard part, and I’ve got to push through it mentally and physically.  It doesn’t matter to me in what amount of time I finish, so long as I finish.

Any suggestions appreciated.